Wiring device/wallplate installation tool

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an electrical device installation tool configured to aid in spacing, aligning, leveling, and securing, singly or in series electrical device in their boxes before installation on wall plates. The tool comprises a lower overlay with width, length and having at least a first opening configured to substantially conform to engage a portion of one type of electrical device; an upper overlay with width, length and having at least a set of first openings separated by a second opening defining a central bridge, the first and second openings configured to substantially conform to engage a portion of another type of electrical device; a pair of leveling means arranged orthogonally with each other, the leveling means mounted on the tool; and a plurality of gripping means mounted on the tool configured to facilitate a firm and accurate hold on the tool and all its secured electrical devices while in use.

CLAIM OF BENEFIT TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of the earlier-filed U.S.Provisional Patent Application entitled “Wiring Device[WallplateInstallation Tool”, having Ser. No. 60/581,011 and filed on Jun. 17,2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a an installing device, andmore particularly, to a system and method of installing electricalwiring devices and their wallplates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The electrical industry has essentially standardized components of manytypes of electrical switch and electrical receptacle systems foreveryday residential and commercial use with conventional electricalpower. Each of these systems generally comprises an electrical box, afaceplate, and one or more wiring devices or switches of various typese.g., toggle switches, rocker switches, rotary switches, duplexreceptacles, and the likes.

Many of these systems allow for the ganging, i.e., locating within thesame electrical box, of wiring devices in various numbers andcombinations. Typically, each wiring device is secured positively to thecorresponding electrical box at opposing edges of the box, and the wallplates in turn secured to them.

Generally, without any sort of wiring device installation tool or ganginstallation tool, the process of aligning and spacing ganged wiringdevices can be difficult and time consuming because it is oftendifficult to ensure that each wiring device is truly vertical orhorizontal, as the case may be. Therefore, misaligned, misplaced, andmisoriented switches and outlets remain a common complaint in thebuilding industry despite varied attempts over the years to solve thisinstallation problem.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,818,824 discloses a ganging tool for adjusting theposition of a pair of ganged wiring devices in an electrical box. Thisganging tool has a frame having a pair of apertures for receiving andholding different kinds of wiring devices, rotatable toggle adaptorsmounted across these apertures allowing the positioning of toggleswitches when in the first of two possible positions and allowing thepositioning of other types of wiring devices when in the second of twopossible positions, and a leveling means for determining the level ofthe wiring devices. This ganging tool has a complex design that hindersthe performance of the tool. It requires a rotatable toggle adapter toposition combinations of different types of wiring devices, which makesthe device inconvenient to use. Further, because the adapter engagesonly half of the margin of a toggle switch and is itself subject tomovement while in use, its accuracy is unreliable.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,880, discloses an electrician's tool, whichcomprises a combination template, spirit level, and a pair of locatingpins stored in the housing when not being used to locate a standardduplex outlet. A lip on the right-hand edge of the template defines astop-forming abutment for locating a second duplex outlet or a toggleswitch in the precise ganged relation necessary to accept anappropriately apertured trimplate. The edge of the tool used to locatethe margin of the toggle switch is not properly positioned to do so,firstly because the margin is not defined by industry standards andvaries from manufacturer to manufacturer, and secondly because it hasalready been defined by the margin of another ganged receptacle.Further, there is no way to incorporate into this device a means toinstall the newer Decora (or GFIC) switches and outlet. Moreover, itrequires a user to install removable screws every time the user needs toposition a receptacle which makes the tool clumsy to use.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,080 discloses a template with integrated spiritlevel for positioning a pair of standard duplex outlets or toggleswitches in electrical boxes. The template being of substantialthickness and having opposing faces, one of which is provided with speedrecesses adapted to accommodate and shaped to fit outlet fixtures toposition them on the box. While the portions of the recesses which areremote from each other are spanned by webs at one face of the template,and the webs being offset from the other face of the template to receivethe outlet fixtures. Each web carrying a positioning dwell projectingfrom that face of the template at which the respective webs are located.This whole section above is incomprehensible. Try this. On one face ofthe template are dowel pins positioned to engage the precise tappedopenings in toggle switches for the mounting of their wall plates. Onthe opposite face of the template are recesses configured to engage themargins of standard duplex outlets. These recesses are spanned by webswhich hold the positioning dowels on the opposite face. There is noreference either in the description or the drawings to a recess definedby the contours of Decora switches and outlets (including GFIC outlets).The slot necessary opening through the template shaped to positionreceive a switch toggle is so scant in its contours relative to the fullcontours of a toggle switch that it lacks significant “positioning”utility. It The template is limited to adjusting the position of eitherganged toggle type switches or ganged duplex electrical receptacles. Itcannot be used for ganged combinations of different types of wiringdevices. A further problem with the interface between the two faces isthe impracticality of the positioning dowel(s) located for preciseregistry with the tapped openings of in toggle switches. switch mountingbrackets. While positioning a switch fixture or pair of such fixtures isdescribed, there is simply no place for the second pair of dowels to gowhen positioning either a single switch fixture or a switch fixture witha duplex outlet fixture. Further, this template is clumsy and dangerousto carry due to pointed dowel pins that project from one of itssurfaces.

The electrical industry has essentially standardized components of manytypes of electrical switch and electrical receptacle systems foreveryday residential and light commercial use with conventionalelectrical power, e.g., 120 VAC 60 Hz power, 240 VAC 60 Hz power, etc.Each of these systems generally comprises an electrical box, one or morewiring devices of various types and a faceplate. Examples of wiringdevices include switches, e.g., toggle switches, rocker switches, rotaryswitches and duplex receptacles, among others. Many of these systemsallow for the ganging, i.e., locating within the same electrical box, ofwiring devices in various numbers and combinations. The process ofroughing-in wiring devices into their respective boxes isstraightforward and requires little precision in the manner of work. Inorder to complete the job, the wiring devices must first be securedpositively to the boxes, and then the wall plates secured to the wiringdevices.

Typically, each wiring device is secured to the corresponding electricalbox at opposing edges of the box. Without any sort of wiring deviceinstallation tool, it is often difficult to ensure that each wiringdevice is truly vertical or horizontal, as the case may be. In addition,when wiring devices are ganged with one another and a matching faceplateis used, the several wiring devices must not only be oriented properly,but they must also be precisely spaced from one another and aligned witheach other so that the faceplate engages all of the wiring devicesproperly. Without any sort of gang installation tool, the process ofaligning and spacing ganged wiring devices can be difficult and timeconsuming. Misaligned, misspaced and misoriented switches and outletsremain a common complaint in the building industry despite variedattempts over the years to solve this installation problem.

All the devices disclosed in the prior arts either cannot be adapted toa wide variety of electrical devices available today. Most of the priorarts are very complex, are not convenient in operation, do not have anyhave limited utility, or are not reliably accurate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the above-mentionedprior arts, the general purpose of the present invention is: to providean improved combination of convenience and utility, to include all theadvantages of the prior arts, and to overcome the abovementioneddisadvantages or drawbacks of the prior art.

It is therefore, a principal aspect of the present invention is toprovide an improved and simplified, electrical wiring devices installinginstallation tool which can be mass produced inexpensively and providesmeans to orient, align and space a plurality of wiring devices byproperly engaging each wiring device with the corresponding group ofrecesses or opening i.e. to aid in accurately spacing, aligning,leveling, and securing singly or in series, electrical wiring devices intheir boxes before installation on a wall plate in a manner, which isquick, easy and effective installing their wallplates.

In another aspect of the present invention, an electrical wiring deviceinstallation tool comprises a lower overlay with width, length andhaving at least a first opening configured to substantially conform toconformally engage a portion of one type of electrical device, an upperoverlay with width, length and having at least a set of first openingsseparated by a second opening a second opening and a third openingdefining a central bridge containing a third fourth opening, theopenings of the upper overlay configured to substantially conform toconformally engage a portion of another type of electrical device, apair of leveling means arranged orthogonally with each other and mountedon the electrical wiring device installation tool, and a plurality ofgripping means mounted on the electrical wiring device installation toolconfigured to facilitate a firm and accurate hold on the electricaldevice installation tool and all its secured electrical wiring deviceswhile in use.

In another aspect of the present invention, an electrical wiring deviceinstallation tool comprises a lower overlay and an upper overlay whichmay be aligned and secured by securing means including adhesive bonding,fusing, mechanical fastening or the like. Furthermore, the electricalwiring device installation tool may be a monolithic structure and thelower and upper overlays may be integral with one another.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for an electricalwiring device installation tool wherein the openings of the upper andlower overlays configure contours corresponding to margins of differenttypes of electrical wiring devices. The openings singly and incombination with each other are configured to aid in spacing, aligning,leveling, and securing singly or in series, electrical wiring devices intheir boxes before installation on installing a wall plate wallplate.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the electrical wiringdevices that are spaced, aligned, leveled, and secured singly or inseries, may include toggle switches, duplex outlets, rotary switches,Decora switches and outlets including GFIC outlets, in any order orcombination.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for a anelectrical wiring device installation tool wherein the third fourthopening configured by the central bridge receives the margin of astandard toggle switch thereby aiding in the placement of the switchrelative to any other device with which it is ganged. Furthermore, thecentral bridge may also be beveled in on its underside to receive arocker of a rocker switch or the like electrical devices for aligningand securing the devices with the electrical wiring device installationtool.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for an electricalwiring device installation tool wherein the leveling means may includespirit levels, liquid levels or the likes and the or other levelingmeans allowing the electrical wiring device installation tool to be usedwith horizontally and vertically oriented electrical wiring devices andgangs for aligning and leveling the electrical devices and gangs.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for an electricalwiring device installation tool wherein the first opening of the loweroverlay is further configured to substantially conformally engage astandard duplex outlet.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method forspacing, aligning, leveling, and securing singly or in series,electrical wiring devices in their boxes before installation oninstalling a wall plate wallplate using an electrical wiring deviceinstallation tool having upper and lower overlay overlays with openingsand mounted with leveling means. The method comprises roughly securingthe electrical wiring devices to their boxes, laying the electricalwiring device installation tool over the loosely secured electricalwiring devices, aligning the electrical wiring devices with the properlyspaced and aligned openings in the tool, bringing them into level orplumb with one of the leveling means; and holding the electrical wiringdevices firmly using said electrical device installation tool while thedevices are being secured.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for a method forspacing, aligning, leveling, and securing a plurality of electricalwiring devices in their boxes in ganged installations on a wall plateusing an electrical wiring device installation tool having upper andlower overlays with openings and mounted with leveling means, the Themethod comprises roughly securing the electrical wiring devices to theirboxes, laying the electrical wiring device installation tool over theloosely secured electrical wiring devices at or near the center of thegang, aligning the electrical wiring devices with the properly spacedand aligned openings in the tool and securing them to the box, movingthe tool over to the next electrical wiring device, one at a time,aligning the tool with previously secured wiring devices therebyallowing for the proper alignment, orientation, spacing spacing,aligning, leveling and securing of each additional electrical device inseriatim.

These together with other aspects of the present invention, along withthe various features of novelty that characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forminga part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention is a tool for aiding a wiring deviceinstaller, e.g., an electrician or homeowner, in installing one or morewiring devices into an electrical box, particularly simplifying theprocess of orienting each device and/or aligning and spacing two or moredevices relative to each other so that a faceplate may be readilyinstalled and the installation is high quality. The unique design of thepresent invention allows it to be used with a number of standard wiringdevices, including toggle switches, duplex receptacles, rotary switchesand rocker switches. An example of rocker switches includes DECORA®switches manufactured by Leviton Manufacturing Corporation, Little Neck,N.Y. Various ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI) type receptacles,e.g., DECORA® receptacles, may also be oriented, aligned and/or spacedusing the tool of the present invention.

One utility of the invention may be found in each group ofrecesses/openings formed within the tool that correspond to the variousmargins found on many standard wiring devices. The utility flowing fromeach of these groups is the ability to orient any of the standard wiringdevices corresponding to the various recesses/openings in the desiredorientation, e.g., vertical or horizontal. Another utility of theinvention may be found in the placement of two or more of these groupsside-by-side with one another at a particular spacing (e.g., the U.S.industry standard wiring device 1.812 inches for 120 VAC 60 Hz devices)that allows an installer to not only orient two or more wiring devices,but also properly align and space the devices. The tool may also includeone or more levels, e.g., spirit levels, that provide an installer withinformation pertinent to determining proper orientation and/oralignment.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3D and 4 show one embodiment of a tool 10 of the presentinvention. Although this embodiment is shown as being essentiallymonolithic (except for spirit levels and associated retainers), the mainportion of tool 10 may be thought of as comprising two layers 12, 14(FIG. 3B), or “overlays,” particularly aligned with, and secured to,each other. Generally, lower overlay 12 comprises one or more openings16 each corresponding to the margins of a rocker switch (not shown) (anda GFCI duplex outlet, which typically has the same marginal dimensionsas a rocker switch). An example of such a rocker switch and GFCI duplexoutlet are available under the trademark DECORA®, noted above.

Upper overlay 14 comprises one or more central openings 18 eachcorresponding to the margins of a standard toggle switch (not shown),e.g., a toggle switch having a boxed base, and two openings eachdesigned to receive an end portion of the toggle. When upper and loweroverlays 14, 12 are attached to, or integrated with, one another, eachcentral opening 18 may be considered to be present within acorresponding bridge 20 that spans corresponding respective opening 16in lower overlay 12. Each bridge is generally defined by two openings 21in upper overlay 14 that are in registration with portions of respectiveopenings 16 in lower overlay 12. When tool 10 is used with rockerswitches, openings 21 receive therein portions of the rocker so that thetool properly seats with the switches. Depending upon the width andthickness of each bridge 20, it may be necessary to provide theunderside of each bridge with two beveled regions 22 that correspond tothe rocker of a rocker switch. These beveled regions 22 allow tool 10 tofully seat over a rocker switch, which protrudes from the faceplate (notshown) of a finished installation, so as to provide the utilities of thepresent invention discussed above. Each beveled region 22 may have anyslope and length needed to allow tool 10 to properly seat over a rockerswitch. If each bridge 20 is narrow enough and/or thin enough, it maynot be necessary to provide beveled regions 22.

In order to accommodate standard (i.e., non-DECORA® type) duplexreceptacles, lower overlay 12 may include edge rabbets 24 and/orcontoured regions (see FIG. 5C) sized to receive corresponding portionsof such a receptacle so as to allow tool 10 to properly seat with thereceptacle. In addition, each opening 21 in upper layer 14 may alsoinclude a notch 26 useful in orienting, spacing and/or aligning wiringdevices other than toggle switches, rocker switches and duplex outlets,such as rotary switches and non-boxed toggle switches not having anymargins that snugly engage any of openings 16, 18, 21. In this case,notches 26 may be located to align with faceplate mounting holes presentin the metal supports that attach these devices to an electrical box.

The particular embodiment of tool 10 as shown includes two spirit levels28 oriented orthogonally with respect to one another. This allows tool10 to be used with both horizontally and vertically oriented wiringdevices and gangs. Tool 10 may also be provided with one or more grips30 or other structures that allow an installer to firmly grip the toolwhile in use. FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3D and 4 show exemplary dimensions for oneembodiment of tool 10. Of course, those skilled in the art will readilyunderstand that other dimensions and configurations may be used.

Whereas FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3D and 4 illustrate a monolithic embodiment ofthe present invention, FIGS. 5A-5C and 6A-6D illustrate how a tool (notshown) of the present invention may be made from actual faceplates 32,34 designed for toggle and rocker switches. First, a bottom overlay 12′may be derived from gang-type DECORA® faceplate 32, e.g., a four or fivegang faceplate, as shown in FIG. 5A. The top and bottom of faceplate 32may be trimmed off, leaving enough material, e.g., 0.125 inches, tomaintain the original openings 16′. As shown in FIG. 5B, most of theright and left hand portions of faceplate 32 may be trimmed off to formtrimmed openings 36 so as to leave enough material, e.g., 0.125 inches,to engage the corners of a corresponding DECORA® rocker switch orDECORA® outlet. Openings 16′ and the sides of trimmed openings 36 maythen be contoured, e.g., by laser cutting, routing or other machining,so as to form regions 38 that accommodate the ever-so-slightly largercontours of a standard (e.g., non-DECORA®) duplex receptacle. The resultof these steps is shown in FIG. 5C, which is a completed lower overlay12′ of the tool.

Referring to FIG. 6A, an upper overlay (14′, FIG. 6D) may be made from agang-type toggle switch faceplate 34, e.g., a two or three gangfaceplate, having a plurality of toggle openings 18′. Referring to FIG.6B, openings 21′ above and below each toggle opening 18′ may be formed,e.g., by laser cutting, routing or other machining, leaving enoughmaterial (e.g., 0.125 inches) to form a corresponding bridge 20′ thatmaintains the corresponding original toggle opening 18′. The shapes andsizes of these openings 21′ substantially correspond to the shapes andsizes of openings 16′ in lower overlay 12′ (FIG. 5C) when upper overlay14′ is properly laid over the lower overlay. Regions 40 on the left andright hand sides of upper overlay 14′ may be formed to correspond to thesize and shape of openings 16′ in bottom overlay 12′. As shown in FIG.5C, top and bottom edges of faceplate 34 may be trimmed off so as toleave enough material (e.g., 0.125 inches) to maintain openings 21. FIG.6D shows that openings 21 and regions 40 may be contoured so as to formregions 42 that can receive a standard duplex outlet, similar toopenings in lower overlay 12′ (FIG. 5C). FIG. 6D shows a completed upperoverlay 14′. As discussed above relative to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3D and 4,depending upon the thickness and width of each bridge 20′, the backsideof faceplate 34 may need to be beveled (see FIG. 4) to allow the tool toproperly seat over a rocker switch. Notches (not shown) may also be madeto complete upper overlay.

Once upper and lower overlays 14′, 12′ have been formed, they may bealigned and secured to one another, e.g., by adhesive bonding, fusing,welding, mechanical fastening, among other securing methods. Levels (notshown) may then be installed into tool 10′, if desired.

A tool of the present invention, e.g., tool 10, may be used as followsto orient, align and space a plurality of wiring devices (not shown).After the wiring devices have been roughed in to their electrical box,i.e., loosely secured to the electrical box, the tool may be laid overthe wiring devices that may then be adjusted as necessary to properlyorient, align and space them by properly engaging each wiring devicewith the corresponding group of recesses/openings. Once the wiringdevices are positioned and oriented properly, the tool holds them firmlyin place while they are more securely fastened to the electrical box.For ganged wiring devices of greater than two devices, the process maybe begun at or near the center of the gang, with the tool then beingmoved, e.g., one device at a time, so as to be engaging at least onedevice already fully secured to the electrical box with the aid of thetool. In this manner, each additional wiring device may be properlyoriented, aligned and spaced in seriatim.

Most toggle switches made today have a rectangular protruding boxsurrounding the toggle where the toggle extends into the body of theswitch. It is this box that it typically held in place by the toolduring installation. Some toggle switches, especially older ones, aswell as rotary switches do not have such a box. When using the tool withthese switches, it is generally necessary to estimate their properposition by aligning the wallplate mounting holes on the device with thenotches centered at the opposing ends of each recess/opening group ofthe tool.

All specifications of the tool relating to its core function may bedetermined by a balance between industry standards for the differentwiring devices and their faceplates, actual measurements of wiringdevices, both old and new, and practical limitations on the manufactureof the tool.

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrativepurposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. Itshould be emphasized, however that the present invention is not limitedto a particular electrical wiring device installation tool as shown anddescribed. Rather, the principles of the present invention can be usedwith a variety of electrical wiring device installation toolconfigurations and structural arrangements. It is understood thatvarious omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated ascircumstances may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to coverthe application or implementation without departing from the spirit orscope of the claims of the present invention.

The present invention provides an electrician's tool and moreparticularly, an electrical wiring device installation tool hereinafterreferred to as tool, for the quick, easy, and effective installation ofelectrical wiring devices e.g switches, and outlets, so as to facilitatethe installation of the appropriately configured wallplates. The presentinvention may be made available in metal or plastic or in the a likelight weight material. It has low cost of manufacture with regard toboth materials and labor thereby serving the commercial viability of acost effective electrical wiring device installation tool capable ofreducing the installation time and overcoming all the existing drawbacksand making such products economically available to the buying public.

The present invention provides for an electrical wiring deviceinstallation tool that is configured to aid in spacing, aligning,leveling, and securing singly or in series, electrical devices in theirboxes before installation on a wall plate in a manner, which is quick,easy and effective. The present invention also eliminates the need of amultiple tool for addressing requirement of installation of gangedelectrical devices into an electrical box thus simplifying the processof orienting each device and/or aligning and spacing two or more devicesrelative to each other so that a faceplate may be readily installedthrough an installation process that is simple, quick, effective, and isof high quality thus overcoming the drawbacks in the prior art. Theunique design of the present invention allows it to be used with anumber of standard electrical devices, including toggle switches, duplexreceptacles, rotary switches and rocker switches e.g. DECORA switches,as well as DECORA outlets and various ground fault circuit interrupt(GFCI) type receptacles.

One utility of the present invention may be found in each group ofrecesses or openings formed within the electrical wiring deviceinstallation tool that correspond to the various margins found on manystandard electrical devices. The utility flowing from each of thesegroups is the ability to orient any of the standard electrical devicescorresponding to the various recesses or openings in the desiredorientation, e.g., vertical or horizontal. Another utility of theinvention may be found in the placement of two or more of these groupsside-by-side with one another at a particular spacing (e.g., the U.S.industry standard wiring device 1.812 inches for 120 VAC 60 Hz devices)that allows an installer to not only orient two or more electricaldevices, but also properly align and space the devices. The electricaldevice installation tool may also include one or more leveling means,e.g., spirit levels that provide an installer with information pertinentto determining proper orientation and/or alignment.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3B show one embodiment of an electrical deviceinstallation tool 10 of the present invention. Although this embodimentis shown as being essentially monolithic (except for spirit levels andassociated retainers), the main portion of tool 10 may be thought of ascomprising two overlays 30, 40 (FIG. 1), particularly aligned with, andsecured to, each other. Generally, lower overlay 12 comprises one ormore first openings 16 each corresponding to the margins of a rockerswitch (not shown) and a GFCI duplex outlet, which typically has thesame marginal dimensions as a rocker switch. An example of such a rockerswitch and GFCI duplex outlet are available under the trademark DECORAnoted above. Upper overlay 40 comprises of at least a set of firstopenings 42, each designed to receive an end portion of the toggle,separated by a second opening 44 each corresponding to the margins of astandard toggle switch (not shown), e.g., a toggle switch having a boxedbase. The set of first opening and second openings define a centralbridge 46. When upper and lower overlays 40, 30 are attached to, orintegrated with, one another, each second opening 44 may be consideredto be present within a corresponding central bridge 46 that spanscorresponding respective first opening 32 in lower overlay 30. Eachcentral bridge 46 is generally defines set of first openings 42 in upperoverlay 40 that are in registration with portions of respective firstopenings 32 in lower overlay 30. When tool 10 is used with rockerswitches, set of first openings 42 of upper overlay 40 receive thereinportions of the rocker so that the tool 10 properly seats with theswitches. Depending upon the width and thickness of each central bridge46, it may be necessary to provide the underside of each bridge with twobeveled regions 48 that correspond to the rocker of a rocker switch.These beveled regions 48 allow tool 10 to fully seat over a rockerswitch, which protrudes from the faceplate 80 of a finishedinstallation, so as to provide the utilities of the present inventiondiscussed above. Each beveled region 48 may have any slope and lengthneeded to allow tool 10 to properly seat over a rocker switch. If eachcentral bridge 46 is narrow enough and/or thin enough, it may not benecessary to provide beveled regions 48.

In order to accommodate standard (i.e., non-DECORA type) duplexreceptacles, lower overlay 30 may include edge rabbets 34 and/orcontoured regions (see FIG. 4C) sized to receive corresponding portionsof such a receptacle so as to allow tool 10 to properly seat with thereceptacle. In addition, each first opening 42 in upper overlay 40 mayalso include a notch 26 useful in orienting, spacing and/or aligningelectrical devices other than toggle switches, rocker switches andduplex outlets, such as rotary switches and non-boxed toggle switchesnot having any margins that snugly engage any of openings 32, 42, 44. Inthis case, notches 20 may be located to align with faceplate mountingholes present in the metal supports that attach these devices to anelectrical box. The particular embodiment of tool 10 as shown includestwo leveling means, e.g. spirit levels 50 oriented orthogonally withrespect to one another. This allows tool 10 to be used with bothhorizontally and vertically oriented electrical devices and gangs. Tool10 may also be provided with one or more gripping means 60 or otherstructures that allow an installer to firmly grip the tool 10 while inuse. FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3B show exemplary dimensions for one embodiment oftool 10. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that otherdimensions and configurations may be used.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3B illustrate a monolithic embodiment of the presentinvention, FIGS. 4A-4C and 5A-5D illustrate how a tool 10 of the presentinvention may be made from actual faceplates 80, 90 designed for toggleand rocker switches. First, a lower overlay 30 may be derived fromgang-type DECORA faceplate 80, e.g., a four or five gang faceplate, asshown in FIG. 4A. The top and bottom of faceplate 80 may be trimmed off,leaving enough material, e.g., 0.125 inches, to maintain the originalfirst openings 32. As shown in FIG. 4B, most of the right and left handportions of faceplate 80 may be trimmed off to form trimmed openings 82so as to leave enough material, e.g., 0.125 inches, to engage thecorners of a corresponding DECORA rocker switch or DECORA outlet. Thelower overlay further has contoured regions 84 at faceplate 80. Firstopenings 32 and the sides of trimmed openings 82 may then be contoured,e.g., by laser cutting, routing or other machining, so as to formregions 92 that accommodate the ever-so-slightly larger contours of astandard (e.g., non-DECORA duplex receptacle. The result of these stepsis shown in FIG. 4C, which is a completed lower overlay 30 of the tool10.

Referring to FIG. 5A, an upper overlay 40 (FIG. 5D) may be made from agang-type toggle switch faceplate 90, e.g., a two or three gangfaceplate, having a plurality of second opening 44. Referring to FIG.5B, first openings 42 above and below each second opening 44 may beformed, e.g., by laser cutting, routing or other machining, leavingenough material (e.g., 0.125 inches) to form a corresponding centralbridge 46 that maintains the corresponding original second opening 44.The shapes and sizes of the first openings 42 substantially correspondto the shapes and sizes of first openings 32 in lower overlay 30 (FIG.5C) when upper overlay 40 is properly laid over the lower overlay 30.Regions 92 on the width of upper overlay 40 may be formed to correspondto the size and shape of first openings 32 in lower overlay 30. As shownin FIG. 5C, top and bottom edges of faceplate 90 may be trimmed off soas to leave enough material (e.g., 0.125 inches) to maintain firstopenings 42. FIG. 5D shows that first openings 42 and regions 92 may becontoured so as to form contoured regions 94 that can receive a standardduplex outlet, similar to first openings 32 in lower overlay 30 (FIG.4C). FIG. 5D shows a completed upper overlay 40. As discussed above,relative to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3B depending upon the thickness and width ofeach central bridge 46, the backside of central bridge 46 may need to bebeveled to allow the tool 10 to properly seat over a rocker switch.Notches 20 may also be made to complete the upper overlay 40. Once upperand lower overlays 40 and 30 have been formed, they may be aligned andsecured to one another, e.g., by adhesive bonding, fusing, welding,mechanical fastening, among other securing methods. Leveling means (notshown) may then be installed into tool 10, if desired.

A tool 10 of the present invention, may be used as follows to orient,align and space a plurality of electrical devices (not shown). After theelectrical devices have been roughed in to their electrical box, i.e.,loosely secured to the electrical box, the tool 10 may be laid over theelectrical devices that may then be adjusted as necessary to properlyorient, align and space them by properly engaging each electricaldevices with the corresponding group of recesses or openings. Once theelectrical devices are positioned and oriented properly, the tool 10holds them firmly in place while they are more securely fastened to theelectrical box.

For ganged electrical devices of greater than two devices, the processmay be begun at or near the center of the gang, with the tool 10 thenbeing moved, e.g., one device at a time, so as to be engaging at leastone device already fully secured to the electrical box with the aid ofthe tool 10. In this manner, each additional electrical device may beproperly oriented, aligned and spaced in seriatim. Most toggle switchesmade today have a rectangular protruding box surrounding the togglewhere the toggle extends into the body of the switch. It is this boxthat it typically held in place by the toll 10 during installation. Sometoggle switches, especially older ones, as well as rotary switches donot have such a box. When using the tool with these switches, it isgenerally necessary to estimate their proper position by aligning thewallplate mounting holes on the devices with the notches 20 centered atthe opposing ends of each recess/opening group of the tool 10. FIG. 6shows the block diagram of the complete electrical device installationtool 10 in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

All specifications of the tool relating to its core function may bedetermined by a balance between industry standards for the differentelectrical devices and their faceplates, actual measurements ofelectrical devices, both old and new, and practical limitations on themanufacture of the tool.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions ofequivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or renderexpedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementationwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the presentinvention.

1. An electrical device installation tool, comprising: a lower overlaywith width, length and having at least a first opening configured tosubstantially conform to engage a portion of one type of electricaldevice; and an upper overlay with width, length and having at least aset of first openings, separated from a second opening, said separationdefining a central bridge, said first and second opening configured tosubstantially conform to engage a portion of second type of electricaldevice
 2. The electrical device installation tool as claimed in claim 1wherein said lower overlay and said upper overlay may be aligned andsecured by at least one of an adhesive bonding, fusing, or mechanicalfastening.
 3. The electrical device installation tool as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said tool may be a monolithic structure and said lowerand upper overlays may be integral with one another.
 4. The electricaldevice installation tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said openings ofsaid upper and lower overlays configure contours corresponding tomargins of different types of said electrical devices.
 5. The electricaldevice installation tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tool withsaid openings singly and in combination with each other are configuredto aid in spacing, aligning, leveling, and securing singly or in series,electrical devices in their boxes before installation on a wall plate.6. The electrical device installation tool as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid electrical devices may include toggle switches, duplex outlets,rotary switches, Decora switches including GFIC outlets, in any order orcombination.
 7. The electrical device installation tool as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said central bridge is configured to receive a margin ofa standard toggle switch thereby aiding in the placement of said switchrelative to any other device with which it is ganged.
 8. The electricaldevice installation tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said centralbridge may be beveled in its underside to receive a rocker of a rockerswitch or the like electrical devices for aligning and securing saiddevices with said electrical device installation tool.
 9. The electricalwiring device installation tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidleveling means may include at least a spirit level, or a liquid level.10. The electrical device installation tool as claimed in claim 9wherein said leveling means may be of transparent cylindrical, capsuleshaped surfaces or the likes having gauges to be used with horizontaland vertically oriented electrical devices and gangs for aligning andleveling said electrical devices and gangs.
 11. The electrical deviceinstallation tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first opening ofsaid lower overlay is further configured to substantially conformallyengage a standard duplex outlet.
 12. The electrical device installationtool as claimed in claim 1 wherein upon securing said upper overlay onsaid lower overlay, said set of said first openings of said upperoverlay are aligned with corresponding said first opening of said loweroverlay.
 13. The electrical device installation tool as claimed in claim1 wherein said lower overlay may be constructed from actual faceplatesdesigned for toggle and rocker switches.
 14. The electrical deviceinstallation tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said upper overlay maybe constructed from gang-type toggle switch faceplate.
 15. Theelectrical device installation tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidwidth of said lower overlay may be configured for accommodatingever-so-slightly larger contours of a standard duplex receptacle. 16.The electrical device installation tool as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid width of said upper overlay may also be configured to form contoursconforming to shape and size of contours of said lower overlay.
 17. Thetool of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of leveling means arrangedorthogonally with each other, said leveling means mounted on saidelectrical device installation tool.
 18. The tool of claim 1, furthercomprising: a plurality of gripping means mounted on said electricaldevice installation tool, said gripping means configured to facilitate afirm and accurate hold on said tool and all its secured electricaldevice while in use.
 19. A method of spacing, aligning, leveling, andsecuring singly or in series, electrical devices in their boxes beforeinstallation on a wall plate using an electrical device installationtool having upper and lower overlay with openings and mounted withleveling means, the method comprising: roughly securing said electricaldevices to their boxes; laying said electrical device installation toolover said loosely secured electrical devices; aligning them with theproperly spaced and aligned openings in said tool; bringing them intolevel or plumb with one of the leveling means; and holding saidelectrical devices firmly using said electrical device installation toolwhile the devices are being secured.
 20. A tool for orienting at leastone electrical device having one of a first tpe and a second type,comprising: a lower overlay having a first opening configured tosubstantially conformally engage a portin of the first type ofelectrical device; and a second overlay having a second opening and athird opening defining a central bridge having a fourth openingconfigured to conformally engage a portion of the second type ofelectrical device.